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Green Leaves Have Autumn Color All Year Around

October 14, 2014

Written byCuriosity Staff

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Autumn is synonymous with green leaves changing to reds, yellows, and oranges. And while it's nice to look at these beautifully changing colors, it's just as fascinating to learn the science behind why these things are happening. How and why are these leaves altering their hue? The short answer is because leaves stop their food-making process when the days get shorter and temperatures drop. The chlorophyll breaks down in a process that eventually exposes different colors, which are caused by chemicals present in the leaves year-round. Without the green of the chlorophyll, the leaves show yellows and browns due to the tannins and carotenoids. Red and purple leaves have their color due to anthocyanins. Watch the video below for a more in-depth description of how leaves change throughout the seasons.

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